Gene Watson was an integral part of the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Development Program for nearly 40 years.
In addition to coaching countless athletes, Watson served in numerous leadership positions, including Georgia State Chairman, Region 8 Chairman, Region 7 Chairman, a Men’s Program Committee member, and a member of both the Junior and Senior National Coaching Staff.
For his tremendous service to the sport, Watson was awarded the Frank J. Cumiskey Service Award in 1991, USA Gymnastics’ Service Star Awards in 2002 and 2020, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Developmental Coach of the Year honor in 2015, and a College Gymnastics Association Honor Coach in 2014.
Watson passed away in April 2020 and received this honor posthumously. He is survived by his wife, Mindy, and children Cameron, Logan, Devin, Rhys, Holly, and Rachel.
